Spiced Cider
There is very little on this earth better on a cold night than combining warm apple cider and bourbon with a blend of exotic spices. The smell fills the room, and more than a couple of these will put you on your butt. Believe me.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- Zest from 1/2 medium orange, preferably organic
- Zest from 1 lemon, preferably organic
- 1 stick cinnamon, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 allspice berries
- 2 cups bourbon
- Lemon twists, for garnish (optional)
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the cider, orange and lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice berries in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the spiced cider into a coffee pot or other heatproof vessel and discard the solids. Add the bourbon and stir to combine. Serve the spiked spiced cider warm in coffee mugs, pint glasses, or heatproof wine glasses with a cinnamon stick, twist of lemon, and grated nutmeg, if desired.
Notes
- Non-alcoholic variation--Leave out the bourbon and add extra apple cider for an alcohol-free spiced cider.
- Tie up your spices--To avoid the straining step, combine the citrus zest and spices in a cheesecloth pouch or nut milk bag. When the cider is finished steeping, just remove the pouch.
- Storage--The cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Rewarm over medium-low heat before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g